Peter to Caroline, June 27–July 2, 1888 No. 2

CUNARD-ROYAL-MAIL-STEAMSHIP-“ETRURIA”
Wednesday 27th June/88

My dearest Wife

I sent you a Post Card, L.pool in Saturday, & a letter from Queenstown on Sunday. I hardly know what I said for I was very sad & dispirited. Your letter, dear one, & those from Puss, Frank, & Jack were very welcome, and cheered me up greatly – thank you all greatly for them, the Pills & Studs were also received. I scribbled a line to Frank at the very last moment to say I had recd the letters & parcels, I wonder if he got it?

I am disposed to be encouraged as to Franks prospects of getting work, & will be most anxious for news of him: It is a very great disappointment that this was not settled for him before I left England.

It is difficult for me to realise that already I am so far away – & that so long a time must elapse before I can hope to see the dear faces again: the whole thing appears to have come about so quickly & so unsatisfactorily – I had no conversation with Jack – you Puss or Frank – but perhaps it is best, as I could not have come up, had I dwelled too much on the prospect of leaving you all

Sunday, as I told you was a charming day. I went for an hours cruise in a tug into Queenstown harbour & saw the Channel Squadron Admiral Baird at anchor consisting of Her M. S. Northumberland, Iron Duke, Agincourt, & Carew. It was a pretty sight & attracted much attention of the natives. The mail arrived at 12-15 & we sailed at 1-25. – All that day was pleasant fine overhead & sea smooth. I remained on deck till 11-30 p.m. Monday I went on deck early to find the wind had got up – dead ahead, & the sea rough as the day wore on the wind increased & blew in our teeth till about 2 am this morning. There is not doubt the “Etruria” can roll & pitch – immense quantities of water broke over the bow, the decks were swimming all the day the passengers being compelled to remain under cover. This morning it is calm & we are making up for lost time. We have 325 cabin passengers – Americans almost without exception & a queer lot at that. I have made only one acquaintance a young fellow from Boston named Brewster – he was in Victoria last year with a shooting party – I like him & we talk together a good deal.

Thursday 28th June

When I got so far, there was a shout that the “Umbria” was coming I ran on deck, she passed us at 15.1.O.C. not more than ¼ of a mile distant, there was the usual waving of handkerchiefs, shouting &c. how I wished I could have gone back in her, & surprised you all on Sunday next. It was stated yesterday at noon, that we were 80 miles behind the time the Ship made on her 1st trip, & that we cant reach N.Y. before Sunday. I will send a statement of each days news from N.Y. Yesterday was calm & fine, during the night the fog whistle went continuously & is at it again now, though the fog is very light. —- I cannot tell you how anxious I am about Frank. The Admiral has been most kind but you should keep him up to the mark, to use his influence still more in Franks behalf, he will, I suppose, be going to Scotland before long, dont lose any time.

The funny little stewardess often speaks to me, she says you told her she could go to B.C. with you, & she intends to go – so you must look out. I shall of course expect you to commence from the time of my leaving England & tell me all that happens. You will have seen Carry Hare by this time, tell her she remained away too long. I should like to have seen her.

There is a great commotion, the tables are being prepared for luncheon. I must stop ——- 5p.m.

I have been reading the old colonists from one of which I cut a paragraph which I will enclose, you will not know St. Johns Church when you return. I also send a clipping from one of the Standard papers – has the Mrs. Rose Pinder anything to do with our Pinders? One Colonist you had not read I will return.

The Pill & studs came all right, thank you, dear one for them the sleeve links might, I think, have been larger with advantage. When I open any of my packages I cant help admiring how beautifully they are packed. I know under what difficulty it was accomplished, and by whom it was done — It is worth remembering that all your small packages should be labelled for “State Room” – they thereby avoid a great deal of rough treatment in going in & out of the hold, everything I have, the black box included, is in my cabin or stowed just outside.

I have written to Puss about riding & music &c – a few lessons would do Frank no harm – dont forget to pay for the horse I rode, & also for those Puss has used when she has been out with Miss Seymour. Send the papers with report of debate on want of confidence – & report of trial Wood versus Gazzette for libel. Frank did remember it was going when I left.

I have made inquiry about the cabins on the Etruria

Joe & Julia had No. 10 – a very good one, with large double bed if required. No. 9 is equally good they are on the Starboard side. Immediately opposite, on Port side, R. & S. cabins are precisely the same – the full price for each is $250 — It might be well for you to take a note of these cabins in case you decide to come in this boat – but unless application for them is made long before hand there wont be any use in doing so. I will send you a diagram – with the cabins marked.

I have written a note to Grace to thank her for her Goodbye.

Saturday 30th June

We took the Pilot on board at 2.OC am about 500 miles from N.Y. – It is now thought we may land late this evening I would prefer tomorrow morning as I should save a night at the hotel. It is unfortunate that tomorrow is Sunday as I cannot get away before Monday evening – I shant know what to do with myself.

2nd July

I got to the Hotel at 11. OC yesterday morning – missed seeing the Onderdonks which I regret, as I would like to have spoken to him about Frank.

I have been to see Mr. Mc Tavish & had a long chat with him – he talked a great deal about Maggie & from what he said, he has no intention of giving his consent to the wedding – he kept me a long time & talked a great deal about personal affairs – I got there a letter from Joe which I will enclose.

I am all in a flurry as the train will leave at 6.30 – & I have yet a great deal to do.

The Passage was a wonderfully good one considering the weather which was at times pretty rough, the wind too, always blew against us. I was as well as any one on board & did not miss a meal. Thank God for having preserved me.

My thoughts constantly wander to you Frank & Puss – and I would willingly return tomorrow if I could – a week last Saturday since we parted – how many more before we shall be together again? I know my letter is very unco[nsecutive?] but I cant help it my mind is full & ramble a good deal.

Write very fully, & often – I hope Puss & Frank will write also. You shall hear frequently from me. Number your letters – My love to you all, may God bless & keep you.

Your Affect & loving husband

P. O’Reilly

I will send Joes letter from Ottawa This will go per Str. Alaska tomorrow.

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This collection of letters has been digitized from an earlier transcription project and is for informational purposes only. This transcription has not been verified against the originals. Researchers interested in these letters should consult the original documents housed at the BC Archives.

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